Exercise Physiologist vs Exercise Scientist: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to improving health, fitness, or managing chronic conditions, you might come across two professions that sound very similar: Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Scientists. While both are experts in human movement and exercise, their qualifications, scope of practice, and the types of clients they work with are quite different.
Understanding the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist can help you choose the right professional for your health, fitness, or rehabilitation goals.
What is an Exercise Scientist?
An Exercise Scientist has usually completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. Their training focuses on how the body responds to exercise, fitness, and athletic performance.
What Exercise Scientists Do:
Assess fitness levels and design training programs
Help generally healthy individuals improve strength, fitness, and wellbeing
Work with athletes to boost performance and recovery
Conduct research into sport and exercise science
Provide workplace health and fitness programs
In short: Exercise Scientists typically work with healthy populations to improve lifestyle, wellness, or sporting performance.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional who has completed a minimum four-year Clinical Exercise Physiology degree and is accredited with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
They specialise in using exercise as medicine to help people with chronic conditions, injuries, or disabilities improve their health and quality of life.
What Exercise Physiologists Do:
Work with people living with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis
Design safe and tailored rehabilitation programs for musculoskeletal injuries
Help improve mental health and quality of life through exercise
Provide education and support for long-term behaviour change
Are recognised by Medicare, private health funds, NDIS, TAC, WorkCover, and DVA for treatment services
In short: Exercise Physiologists are qualified to deliver clinical exercise interventions to support people with health conditions and injuries.
Which One is Right for You?
If you’re healthy and want to improve your fitness, lifestyle, or athletic performance → see an Exercise Scientist.
If you’re living with a chronic condition, injury, or complex health needs → book an appointment with an Exercise Physiologist.
Both play a vital role in improving movement and health — the difference is in who they are qualified to work with.
Beachside Exercise Physiology: Offers Both Services
At Beachside Exercise Physiology, we are proud to offer both:
Accredited Exercise Physiology services for clients with chronic conditions, injuries, or disabilities
Exercise Science services for healthy individuals looking to improve fitness, strength, and performance
This means we can support you whether your goal is rehabilitation and health management or fitness and performance improvement.
📞 Book your consultation today and find out whether Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science is right for you.